Jasmine green tea, unlike most teas, is made from both green leaves and the jasmine blossoms. These plants, over 200 species in number, are widely cultivated for their beautiful fragrant white, yellow or red flowers.

The jasmine plant was brought to China from Persia sometime in the third century AD but never became popular there until about 1000 years ago. Yin Hao is considered the finest jasmine tea. Other popular versions are Xiang Pian, Dragon Phoenix Pearl, and Mo Li Hua Cha, the latter being possibly the most popular scented tea worldwide.

To make jasmine green tea, they start with a Chinese green tea for a base. Two popular ones are pouching and oolong and a few start with a black tea base. The tea leaves are picked and processed in April and May. Then they are kept dry until the jasmine flowers bloom in late August and September.

Timing is everything when gathering the flowers. They must be fully open and for this reason they are harvested at midnight, or early in the morning. Then the open flowers are placed with the tea so that the scent of the flower can be absorbed into the tea over the next four hours. After this the flowers are removed. This process is repeated from two to seven times over a month. Then the tea is ready for sale. The grade of the tea is determined by how many scentings the tea has gotten over a month. High grade jasmine tea has had up to seven scentings over the month. Low grade has had two to three scentings.

Most green teas with jasmine contain a significant amount of polyphenols, plant-based substances that have proven to have anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. This helps prevent certain cancers and slows aging by eliminating free radicals. Jasmine is good for diabetes prevention and reducing high blood pressure. It is believed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, and arterial sclerosis.

Other jasmine tea health benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of blood clot, prevent allergy and flu, reduce blood sugar, keep fluid balance, boost the immune system and provide oral care and fluoride that helps protect against cavities and prevent tooth decay. One of the jasmine tea health benefits is to improve intestine conditions by blocking development and growth of bad bacteria and strengthening good bacteria.

Jasmine tea also fights food poisoning, including dysentery, cholera, and piccoli that causes gastric ulcers. Gargling with jasmine green tea is one of the best ways to protect oneself from influenza since the tea contains anti-viral substances.

Today, jasmine is known in alternative health care as an effective anti-depressant, including post-natal depression, and menopause problems. Along with raspberry leaf tea, it has been used to help childbirth and milk production. It can help relieve muscle and joint pain, including chronic back pain and is considered a romantic enhancer.

Recent studies show that drinking jasmine tea may fight fat. People who consumed tea with green tea extract during the period of three months lost more fat than those who consumed regular oolong tea. It seems substances found in jasmine tea, known as catechins, trigger weight loss by decreasing body fat and stimulating the body to burn calories.

You can purchase jasmine already mixed in the green tea. Simply steep about one teaspoon of tea in two cups of water near boiling temperature for two minutes. You can do this up to three times before discarding it. Drink at least four cups of this a day. This tea may be served with strongly flavored foods or, if you like, it may be served alone. It is good with vegetarian dishes, curries, and chicken and fish. A good quality jasmine green tea will work beautifully with soft cheeses with pressed flowers, with fruit and flower salads, or with desserts made with flowers.

Mix 1 T. each of whole cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, steep for 5 minutes in 3 cups of hot water. Strain it and add honey or stevia to sweeten to taste.

This tea is balancing to the digestive system. It supports the absorption of nutrients in the body and balances samana vata. Samana is known as the stabilizing air; once it is out of balance the other energies in the body quickly suffer.

Ayurveda Health Retreat Morning Smoothie

Ingredients:

Advantage lean protein powder

12 oz almond milk (original)

1T Fresh ginger

1T Bee pollen

8 soaked almonds w/ skins removed,

1/4 T cardamom seeds

1 cup fresh or frozen organic raspberries or other seasonal berries

2T Dr Shultz’s Super Food (greens foods concentrate)

1T ground flax seeds

Place all ingredients in blender for 30-60 seconds. Enjoy, relax, energize!

Wake every morning and start your day with Ayurvedic Tea and Morning Smooth. You’ll be enveloped in a gentle sense of peace and serenity that is integral to healing.

Because Ayurveda is a holistic approach to healthcare, it embraces the whole person rather than treating symptoms. Cleanse your body completely and start back on the path to feeling complete again. Learn how to live in harmony with your life and how to treat yourself well again. Let Ayurveda help you rediscover yourself.

A cup of tea is a bit like a little miracle, it can restore the soul and spirit in just a few minutes. The same can be said about a great bed and breakfast, as well. And plenty of innkeepers offer both special accommodations and afternoon teas. In fact, many innkeepers are hosting specialty teas to celebrate everything from a bridal or baby shower to a book club meeting or a birthday party. The seasoned innkeeper can set the scene with beautiful decor, fine china and delectable savories and sweets. The toughest choice you’ll have to make is whether to partake of Darjeeling or Earl Grey.

At Hillbrook Inn in Charles Town, West Virginia, exquisite afternoon teas feature the traditional cucumber sandwiches as well as cheddar paisleys and freshly baked cookies by Executive Chef Christine (definitely plan to enjoy one of her seven-course dinners when you visit). Innkeeper Carissa writes that for her daughter’s third birthday party the afternoon tea was like a fairy tale, complete with savories and sweets down to teapots filled with fresh flowers as centerpieces. In the summertime, you can enjoy tea outside in the gardens, part of 17 acres, which surround the inn.

In his book, “The Great Tea Rooms of America,” noted tea expert Bruce Richardson named Cliffside Inn of Newport, R.I., as one of the 20 best tea rooms in the country. The ever-changing tea menu might include tea sandwiches of caviar and egg or perhaps pesto with tomato and mozzarella. Sweet items such as fine chocolates, homemade brownies and cookies and, of course, scones are served with all the accoutrements, such as handmade English marmalades, lemon curd and Devonshire cream. In summer months, tea is served either on the veranda or perhaps in the garden. During cooler months, the teas are presented in the parlor where the soft glow of warming fire and tables set with fine silver and china set the scene.

For a tea that is truly seaworthy, the innkeepers at Kitt Shepley House B&B (also in Newport) offer a tour of the harbor while enjoying afternoon tea aboard their own private boat. This special package, named the High Tea on the Sea, includes all the trimmings from the tea sandwiches and sweets down to the fine silver and china.

In Chatham on Cape Cod the Captain’s House Inn serves a complimentary Cream Tea for their guests featuring scones, cookies and cakes. For a small charge both guests at this Massachusetts bed and breakfast as well as outside guests, can enjoy a formal English Afternoon Tea served by British interns. Traditional finger sandwiches, savory pastries and sweet treats are served. As a new twist, you may also do a “Tea Flight” — sampling six different teas, which the chef has paired with appropriate delicacies. This Massachusetts bed and breakfast was a sea captain’s home dating back to 1839 with each of the 16 rooms featuring a fireplace as well as most modern amenities.

Summertime at Halcyon House B&B means garden tours and afternoon teas. This historic Campbell, New York, bed and breakfast is host to special Wednesday Afternoon Teas throughout the season. The event begins with a tour of the inn’s extensive herb garden followed by a short presentation by innkeeper Yvonne Sloan about growing and preserving herbs. Then the tea is served along with a selection of savory and sweet treats, all prepared using the inn’s own herbs.

Enjoy afternoon tea, Southern style at the Traveler’s Rest B&B in Montezuma, Georgia. Just a two-hour’s drive from the city of Atlanta, this bed and breakfast serves up afternoon tea in the dining room or on the veranda. Innkeeper Adele Goodman has hosted everything from a mother-daughter Girl Scout tea or a meeting of the local Red Hat Society. The tea features all the traditional delectables, as well as a few special Southern treats.

At the Richmond Victorian Inn in Richmond, Vermont, the innkeepers have perfected the art of afternoon tea. They offer teas for wedding showers and book clubs, as well as princess tea parties for children. On Sundays, an English tea is served in the afternoons. Enjoy fresh, home-baked scones and teas made by the nearby Vermont Liberty Tea Company. The inn is just a short drive from Burlington, and one could hardly think of a more perfect day than driving along winding Vermont roads, looking at the fall foliage and perhaps shopping for antiques and then returning to your country inn to enjoy all the pleasures of an afternoon tea.

During the holiday season, the innkeepers at Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford, New Hampshire, go all out. Each December, they host a special Holiday Tea and Tour. The historic inn has a rich past as lodging, hosting guests such as Jack London, Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin. After the tour, you’ll enjoy lavish homemade treats, such as a lemony snowflake cake and freshly baked scones.